PAF, Uzbekistan Explore Joint Exercises And Expanded Defence Cooperation

RAWALPINDI (Staff Reporter): Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, held high-level meetings with Uzbekistan’s defence and air force leadership during his official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, focusing on regional security and strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

According to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the Air Chief met Uzbekistan’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Botir Qudrathodjayev Bahromovich, and Deputy Defence Minister and Commander of Air Defence and Air Force, Major General Burkhanov Akhmad Jamolovich.

During his meeting with the Uzbek Defence Minister, discussions covered regional security, existing defence relations and opportunities for institutional cooperation.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek Defence Minister appreciated the professionalism, operational expertise and combat capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force. He also expressed interest in benefiting from PAF’s experience and human resource potential to strengthen the operational readiness of the Uzbekistan Air Force.

In a separate meeting with Major General Burkhanov Akhmad Jamolovich, discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the two air forces, particularly through joint military exercises, structured exchange programmes, regular professional interactions and capacity-building initiatives.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving operational preparedness and expanding professional collaboration in emerging technologies by drawing on their respective expertise and technological capabilities.